WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-Winona Area Public Schools reported seven new COVID-19 infections and 123 new people in quarantine in their most recent dashboard update.
Officials say the cases were reported across numerous grades and don’t require a learning model change. WAPS is one of many school districts across Minnesota seeing a rise in COVID-19 infections.
Meanwhile, the federal government could announce guidance that would allow people as young as 12 to get a Pfizer shot. As of Monday, 16 is the youngest age allowed for a Pfizer vaccine.
Winona Health President and CEO Rachelle Schultz told KWNO on Monday they are getting ready for that announcement.
School Board weighs in on athletic mask rule change (4/30/2021)
Student athletes at Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) no longer have to wear a mask while practicing and competing outdoors. Per newly announced state guidelines, students will still be required to wear a mask when they are not “actively playing,” such as while they are on the sidelines. Students will also still have to wear a mask when playing indoors.
School Board member Steve Schild said he is in support of the new policy, given the lower risk of COVID-19 transmission outdoors; however, he said, he would like the Minnesota State High School League to ensure all those attending sporting events adhere to it. “The new rules seem to make sense to me, as long as there’s thorough enforcement of those rules on the playing field, on the benches and among the spectators,” he said. It would be valuable for the league to explain how school districts can stay in line with the policy, h
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KWNO)-The Minnesota Department of Health is encouraging 16 and 17-year-olds to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Health officials say that age group has seen the sharpest increase in COVID-19 infections. Winona Area Public Schools last week reported 154 new quarantines stemming from four new infections.
Communications Coordinator John Casper said the district will pass along vaccine clinic information to families.
“We’re going to encourage them to go and get their shots,” said Casper. “That is a big part in stopping this thing is if everybody is able to vaccinated.”
Current health guidelines only allow for people as young as 16 to get the Pfizer shot. State health officials are also encouraging students involved in extracurricular activities to get tested for COVID-19 regularly and to report a positive diagnosis.
By TJ
Facebook/WAPS
WINONA, Minn. (KWNO)-Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) reported 154 people added to quarantine in its COVID-19 dashboard update this week.
The district reported four new COVID-19 infections from April 15-22 and announced an immediate shift to distance learning for 8th-grade students. The shift is scheduled to last until May 3 at the earliest.
WAPS isn’t alone in seeing an increase in cases and quarantines.
“Just this week, we’ve seen the number of school-related COVID-19 cases in students exceed the high level set in November during the big fall surge,” said Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm.
WAPS music teacher named to national organization of band directors (4/21/2021)
Tim Gleason, a music teacher and band director in Winona Area Public Schools, has been selected to be a member of the American School Band Directors Association.
Founded in 1953, the ASBDA is a national organization for band directors whose mission is to promote, enhance and preserve quality school programs through leadership and fellowship of exemplary band directors.
ASBDA is a prominent, active, and effective national organization to influence school band programs, promoting excellence in K-12 school band programs, recognizing excellence in teaching, and attempting to provide educational research for the 21st century music classroom (another revision of its valued “ASBDA Curriculum Guide” is coming out soon).